Rental Scams in the United States
US rental fraud costs Americans millions of dollars annually, with fraudulent listings appearing on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zillow. Scammers clone legitimate listings and collect deposits from multiple victims for properties they have no right to rent.
Part of: Holiday Rental Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The United States housing shortage and high rental demand in major metros have created conditions where renters feel pressured to move quickly before a good deal disappears. Scammers exploit this pressure by posting below-market listings, creating urgency, and collecting deposits before victims can verify ownership.
The FTC and FBI regularly issue warnings about rental fraud, particularly targeting military families and students who relocate frequently and may not be familiar with local rental market norms.
How this scam works on United States
The most common variant involves copying a legitimate Zillow or Craigslist listing, slightly reducing the price, and reposting it with a different contact number. When the prospective renter reaches out, the scammer explains they are abroad on a military deployment, missionary work, or international business trip and cannot show the property. A deposit is requested via Zelle or wire transfer to hold the unit.
A second variant involves renting out properties the scammer does not own by posing as the owner. They may have gained access to the property (for example through subletting arrangements or simply guessing a key code) and show it to multiple prospective renters, collecting deposits from each.
Some sophisticated operations create professional-looking property management company websites, complete with invented staff, office addresses, and multiple listings across a city.
Common red flags
- Landlord is abroad and unable to meet or show the property in person
- Listing price is noticeably below comparable rentals in the same area
- Deposit requested via Zelle, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency before signing a lease
- The same listing appears at a different price on another platform under a different contact
- County property records show a different owner than the person you are communicating with
- Lease agreement requests sensitive information before any viewing has occurred
How to protect yourself
- Verify property ownership through the county assessor's or recorder's office website
- Always view a property in person or via a live video call before paying any deposit
- Never send a deposit via wire transfer, Zelle, cryptocurrency, or gift card
- Search the listing photos on Google Images to check if they appear on other sites
- Check the landlord's name against the property record and confirm it matches who you are communicating with
- Use a licensed real estate agent when renting in an unfamiliar market
How to report it
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- File a report with your local FBI field office or the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
- Report to your state's Attorney General office for local enforcement action
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify who owns a US rental property?
Search the property address in your county's assessor or recorder website — most counties offer free public records searches. The listed owner should match the person you are communicating with. If there is a discrepancy, contact the owner directly through a number you find independently.